Massacre at Severn (Dumaresq) River

Date: 1 May 1849 – 31 May 1849
Place: Severn (Dumaresq) River
Event type: massacre
Direct violence: Yes
Drawing on the personal reminiscences of John Watts, a former member of the Qld Legislative Assembly, Skinner (1975, p 30) says that a native police detachment led by Frederick Walker, hid under the dray of the carrier known as 'The Smiler' when he arrived at Beebo station on the Macintyre River. When a group of Aboriginal warriors arrived at the carrier's camp, 'dressed in "war paint", the police discharged their guns and the natives immediately retreated into the scrub where formerly they were safe as no white man dared follow.' However the Native Police immediately followed the Aborigines and in the words of Watts, 'the number they killed no one but the commander and themselves ever knew' (Skinner, 1975, pp 30-31).
Notes:
CorroborationRating: *
LanguageGroup: Marbal or Guyambul
Victims: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People
VictimsDead: 6

People involved

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Sources

  • Skinner, 1975, pp 30-31.

Event mentions

  • Massacre at Severn (Dumaresq) River
    1 May 1849 – 31 May 1849 — Severn (Dumaresq) River — massacre
    Drawing on the personal reminiscences of John Watts, a former member of the Qld Legislative Assembly, Skinner (1975, p 30) says that a native police detachment led by Frederick Walker, hid under the dray of the carrier known as 'The Smiler' when he arrived at Beebo station on the Macintyre River. When a group of Aboriginal warriors arrived at the carrier's camp, 'dressed in "war paint", the police discharged their guns and the natives immediately retreated into the scrub where formerly they were safe as no white man dared follow.' However the Native Police immediately followed the Aborigines and in the words of Watts, 'the number they killed no one but the commander and themselves ever knew' (Skinner, 1975, pp 30-31).
    Source: Skinner, 1975, pp 30-31.